UVSC hosting deaf studies conference

From: Provo Daily Herald - Provo,UT,USA - Apr 13, 2004

With the largest number of deaf students in Utah and more than 300 ASL and Deaf Studies students, Utah Valley State College is welcoming Deaf Studies scholars, business professionals and entertainers from all over the world to attend the first Deaf Studies Today 2004 conference, which runs through Wednesday. The conference is titled, "A Kaleidoscope of Knowledge, Learning and Understanding," representing the diversity of ideas and approaches within the interdisciplinary field of Deaf Studies.

"There was a need for this type of conference because there is nothing like it in the country," said Byran Eldredge, UVSC ASL and Deaf Studies program coordinator and co-chair of the event. "We decided UVSC could fill that void."

The conference kicked off Monday with an evening reception and will include various keynote speakers, paper presentations and performances for the duration of the conference. Wednesday will feature a play performed in old-style signing, gestures and mime without vocal narration. The two-man play entitled, "The Last Con," features Oscar-nominated actors Howie Seago and Nat Wilson.

Deaf Studies Today 2004 also will feature the premiere of a documentary film, "Audism Unveiled," produced by students and faculty in the Deaf Studies program at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. The conference has already generated publicity among the deaf community both locally and internationally.

© 2004 Provo Daily Herald